Winston-Salem has received high rankings for being a great place for retirees to live, but a new report says the Camel City is also a great place for millennials to call home.
This is the second year for Vocativ's livability index rankings. Researchers with the online news site took the 100 largest U.S. cities by population according to the most recent Census report and looked at metrics in eight categories that are important to people 35 and under. Those include jobs, entertainment, and getting around - or transportation.
Jenn Holmes Senior Editor with Vocativ says Winston-Salem ranked No. 22 on the list, primarily because of its cheap housing.
“Housing ranked number one for the city, which is a big deal. The cost of a two bedroom apartment is much more affordable than most cities on the list,” says Holmes.
“Food and demographics were the second and third best scores for Winston-Salem after housing, It ranked No. 40 for food and No. 43 for demographics. Demographics is that mix of diversity, LBGT, number of singles under 35 and average age,” says Holmes.
Holmes says the study also shows areas where the city can improve to keep young people around. Increased job growth, walkability around the city, and access to public transportation would help.
Holmes says the study shows those 35 and under will also pay more for a night out on the town compared to several other cities on the list, and she's not just talking about dinner and a movie.
“Winston-Salem ranked No. 72 in the night out category and that category includes the cost of a beer, a dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings, and the cost of an ounce of high quality marijuana, "says Holmes. "We are not really saying that all millennials smoke weed or all young people smoke weed but it is something that has bubbled up in the national conversation with Colorado legalizing, D.C. and different states.”
Two other North Carolina cities also made the top-35 list. Charlotte ranks No. 30 and Raleigh ranks No. 31.
Follow Keri Brown on Twitter @kerib_news
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